Is Colorado still hot?
Colorado was absolutely scorching hot over the past month. Kind of like how players used to become "on fire" in the video game NBA Jam. When players would get hot they could throw up shots from almost anywhere. Everything would go in. That's like the Rockies. They are simply clicking in way that they believe they can't lose. Did the extra days off cool them off?
Jacoby Ellsbury
Coco Crisp couldn't hit his way out of a 12 year old girl's pillow fight over the last two series. He was simply a Red Sox rally killer. Will rookie sensation Jacoby Elsbury play a bigger role. Can he be clutch? he is scheduled to start game 1.
Ortiz at first base
When playing in Colorado the Red Sox must figure out what to do with David Ortiz because of not having a DH. Ortiz is a horrible defensive first baseman, playing in only 7 games this year. If they play Ortiz at first this means Youklis will play right field, further hurting the D. Both guys must be in the lineup for their hitting skills. They could choose to platoon them but this has its obvious impact on offense. I think Colorado wins one game directly because of this.
The ballparks
No field has more impact on the game in the AL than Fenway, no park in the NL more than Coors. So what gives here? Manny Rameriz is an OK fielder at best. As mentioned in the last point Youklis is probably below average as an outfielder at best. I'd say the advantage has to go to the Rockies here on defense as they are the best defensive team in either league. They set a mlb record for fielding percentage this year (.989) On offense however no one mashes like the Red Sox. Whether it's the light air in Colorado or the short porch in Boston, the Sox will hit some homers.
Pitching
The playoffs always boil down to pitching and I suspect, at the end of the day, this series will too. The Rockies have the best ERA in baseball over the second half. The Red Sox have three of the best pitchers in the game with Beckett, Shilling and Papelbon. Francis must outduel Beckett in at least one match up. Corpas must also pitch a gem for Colorado to have a chance.
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